ES - Guardian of the Tor

[Paul Mitchell]

I see none of the news from the Tor has made it to the Elfsea list...

It was a truly fine time, the Canton did themselves proud!  The Camp
Paradise site was a mixed blessing, a lovely natural location with too
much mundanity and lake shore that was not conducive to using the
lake, but the cool breeze off the lake all weekend was wonderful!

We had folks from Elfsea and all its subsidiaries, plus Glaslyn and
Steppes, as well as a delegation from Bjornsborg, including Their
Excellencies Sir Emrys & Lady Brianna, Baron & Baroness of
Bjornsborg, who spoke at the bardic circle of how wonderful the
welcome they received had been, and how they would spread
wordfame of the Tor in the south.

Their were 16 fighters in the chivalric list, run as the traditional
"Dragonpit".  I was quite surprised to win, but Lord Llew finished
a close second, and Centurion Wolf tied with Centurion Almar for
third and fourth.  I was also pleased to have the chance to cross
swords with Sir Emrys in the list (the first time we've faced each
other since before either of us were knights), and was quite proud
of my three squires who fought so well.  In fact, it is no exaggeration
to say that everyone who entered fought well, with no lack of skill
or chivalry.  I was given a throwing axe and a battle axe as
prizes.  (Could someone from the Tor please post the names of the
guys who made these nice prizes again.)

10 combatants entered the rapier list, not including Don Brendan
who fought but was not competing to retain the title.  This tourney
was won by Lord Duncan Hepburn, from the Steppes.  He also got
a throwing axe, and I'm afraid I don't recall what all else.

The 16 entrants in the archery competition put on a fine display for
us (congrats to the autocrats who placed this competition where we
could watch it, and scheduled it with nothing else going on so we
had nothing to pull us away).  Lord Fearghus retained his title, and
so also the collar.  He was given a ground quiver, a bundle of shafts,
and a throwing axe.

Do you see a pattern here?  There was also a target and loaner weapons
for a knife and axe throw.  24 people entered each of the knife and axe
competitions.  Now my memory is failing me; I know that Lord Caelin
won one of these (the knife throw, I think), but I don't recall who won
the other.  This was so well-received that the guys who did this (please
post their names, again, they also made those throwing axes for prizes)
seemed quite pleased to agree when I asked them to set up similar
competitions
at Spring Faire and Elfsea Defender.  Knife, axe and spear throw is a
war-point competition at Gulf War, and Ansteorra has never won, nor
put much effort into doing so.  But its also fun to do.

Finally, that night by the shore of the lake, Lord Darius, Bard of the Tor,
presided over an excellent bardic competition to choose his successor.
Special thanks to the dozen performers who entered, especially Simone,
Nicolette, and Emrys, as well as the winner and new Bard of the Tor,
Lord Philip White.

Also, at court, we discussed His Majesty's and His Highness's balista
challenge, and (having forgotten it at court), it was announced at the
bardic circle that the next Baron & Baroness of Namron will be Master
Ulf and Baroness Maleah.

My compliments to the Tor on such a successful event, and my
congratulations and thanks to all the participants, winners, and
volunteers.

- Galen of Bristol
5th, 6th, and now 9th Guardian of the Tor



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